Permanent zipline likely coming to Queen Elizabeth Park

DH Vancouver StaffFeb 22, 2016 2:35 pm

A permanent zipline attraction could be coming to a Vancouver public park as early as spring 2016.

Last month, the Vancouver Park Board issued an Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for experienced and reputable zipline businesses to design, build and operate a permanent zipline attraction. The ‘strongly preferred’ location for such an attraction is Queen Elizabeth Park, but other parks in the city will also be considered.

The permanent plan follows the success of last summer’s temporary zipline atop Queen Elizabeth Park to celebrate the park’s 75th anniversary. The zipline began at a temporary tower structure next to the Bloedel Consevatory and ended on the northwest face of the park, with riders zipping over the quarry garden.

The 190-metre long, twin zipline attraction was operated by Flightlinez, a division of Vancouver-based Greenheart International, and attracted 23,000 riders over its 87 days of operations. As part of the agreement, the Park Board is eligible for a portion of the revenues generated by the attraction, although the exact figures have not been released.

The agreement with Flightlinez stipulated that the Park Board will see a return if the zipline generates over $75,000 in revenue. The returns escalate as revenues increase, reaching 40 per cent or $160,000 if the attraction generates $400,000.

Similarly, the EOI for the permanent attraction states that the Park Board must receive ‘meaningful’ revenue streams based on an agreed revenue structure and schedule. The exact structure has yet to be determined, but any agreement will last for a period of three years with an option to renew for an additional two years. The zipline will operate on a seasonal basis, likely during the late-spring, summer, and early-fall periods.

“Due to the popularity and success of the pilot program, the Park Board wishes to identify and select a service provider for a multi-year agreement,” reads the EOI document. “Interested proponents are also encouraged to offer other value-added services related to the zipline experience.”

Queen Elizabeth Park is the preferred location given the ideal sloping topography for a zipline attraction and that it boasts stunning views of the city and mountains. As well, the additional traffic renews Queen Elizabeth Park as a popular city destination and serves to increase the number of people who visit Bloedel Conservatory.

Park visitation has fallen steeply over the last two decades and it was just five years ago that the Conservatory was facing closure due to low attendance.

The deadline for interested businesses to submit their interest in the permanent attraction was on Friday, February 19.